Paying Attention/following Directions in Ballet Class

She is not too young for ballet at all. At this age it is not a structured dance class, it's more learning through games. At least this is what goes on in my daughters class. They have moves called "the mermaid walk" and "good toes, naughty toes". They learn the moves in a way that is fun for thier age.
As far as her leaving the class room, I would just make a simple rule that she can not leave the class unless she is ready to go home, and stick to it. If she doesn't want to participate, have the teacher show her a spot inside the room where she can sit and wait until she is ready to join the others again. If she does leave the room don't let her go back in, go home, since that is the rule. She'll get the idea quickly. This is what I did with my daughter and she still chooses to sometimes sit in her spot and watch for part of the class but she NEVER comes out to be with brother, baby, and I. It sounds like you have a very understanding and patient teacher, yippie.
The times parents are allowed in to watch my daughters ballet class (last day of the session is parents day) I am amazed at the teacher and how she handles between 6 to 8 little girls that range in age from 3 to 4 years old. Really at this age do any of them "appreciate" directions. LOL!! As long as she is enjoying herself let her keep going. Enjoy

Hi!! I love hearing that your little girl is in ballet. I danced for over fifteen years at many schools...from your local smll schools to PNB which is the BIG one downtown. Your little one is prefectly normal. My school that i went to the longest in renton had a creative movement class and at the first part of the dance year on saturdays their room was right next to our point room and they would come wondering in if the teacher forgot to clse the door. but by the end of the year when it came to the big show time we put on all of them had pretty much fell in line with listening!!! She is going to love it and right now just dont get frustrated if she pops out to say hello a few times and if she decides to hangout maybe she is done for the day. she will most likely even forget soon that you gyuys are sitting out waiting for her and then you will have to drag her out to leave!!I fell inlove with dance at about her age and it shaped who i became. I got injuried my senior year of highschool and wasnt able to get back into it becasue my mom wanted me to focus on making friends out side of ballet and school. I did dable a bit in college though. This is soo cool that you have her involved this young i have boys but fully plan on putting them in dance just so they get a well rounded view of life. And we have had the hardiest time with our boys and the time change. they dont want to nap and then bed time is really messed up becasue they want to go to bed at like six!! they will figure it out hopefully soon!!! i hope this helps a little.

My daughter & son both danced from this age on.....everything she is doing sounds totally normal. The only problem I can see is the teacher....she should not let her leave the class until it's over...if they don't wanna dance then at our studio they sit in their place until they want to particpate...the teachers always ask when a new activty is starting.....at our studio if they are crying and carrying on an assistant teacher will stay right with them until they calm down.....Make sure she always goes potty before class or she will start to make this another reason to leave class. My daughter is 26 and has danced since she was 4....her little brother started at 3 and quit performing at 18, he's 24 now. I credit dancing for keeping them out of trouble during the teen years. They both started teaching dance at 16 and still do to this day.
Hope this was some kinda help.

I think she's probably too young for ballet. It's HARD to pay attention and three year olds are not known for their long attention spans. (Even most four year olds have a hard time with this - that's why the starting age for kindergarten, and many structured activities (like karate, etc.) is five.)

You say she's the youngest in her class. That's a pretty good indication (to me) that this class is not geared for three year olds.

I'd find something that is more suited to this age group: Perhaps a tumbling class, etc.

Yes I do have a free spirit! My 10 yo seems to forget anyone else is around! Keep that dance teacher as she appricates your daughter and that will be rare as she ages. The good news is my girl seems to flutter through life with little effort. She finds nothing truly difficult unless she doesn't want to do it. And, she loves ballet, finishing year 7 now!